It has been confirmed that Sunderland City Hall has been evacuated after a ‘credible threat’ was received on Wednesday (October 12) morning.
Emergency services were called to the Plater Way in Sunderland at around 8.45am following reports of a ‘major incident’ on the A183 – with members of the public spotting a large presence of emergency service vehicles in the area.
Police and the ambulance service were both at the scene near the Holiday Inn, with officers concentrating their searches to Sunderland City Hall and neighbouring buildings.
Read more: Sunderland 'bomb scare': Police on scene and buildings evacuated
A police cordon still remains in place this afternoon, while specialist search teams and dog units investigate the incident.
Several major roads have been closed off and some walking routes have been locked down to ensure the safety of members of the public.
Sunderland City Council has confirmed that a ‘credible threat’ was received this morning – with council staff alerting emergency services.
A spokesperson for the council said: “City Hall has been evacuated and surrounding roads closed as a precaution following a credible threat received earlier this morning.
“Council officers are working with the police and the City Council is continuing to operate services at near normal levels as possible, with business continuity measures put in place where necessary.”
Earlier today, a spokesperson for Northumbria Police said they were alerted to a report of “malicious communications” – while adding: “Emergency services are at the scene, and we are investigating the matter further.
“As a precaution, the building has been evacuated and some temporary road closures have also been put in place in the surrounding area with diversions provided.
“We would subsequently ask the public to avoid the area and we thank you for your cooperation.”
A spokesperson for North East Ambulance Service later confirmed that the building was evacuated due to a "bomb threat" at Sunderland City Hall.
They added: "We received calls this morning to an incident on Plater Way in Sunderland.
"We currently have seven ambulance resources at the scene supporting police colleagues.”
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